BUTXACA

Just like the Paisanos in Tortilla Flat need a jug of wine and a solid group of friends to snuggle with and pass the cold nights, the modern times call for a bottle of something extremely red (a hint of burnt orange) with a serious sting.

The list of reasons why my parents rule is infinite; being cared for in every aspect of my life is one of the best feelings as an adventuring 23 year old that likes to pack everything in a couple bags and cross oceans for a bit. Home is hard to stuff in my back pocket, that's why there are other ways, especially when the spirit of my family is so full of strength and power, which is why I decided to steal their souls before I left. My family could get me through the hardest times, luckily for me the trials have been moderate or perhaps the force of their beings have lessened the intensity and assuaged the fears. Either way, I feel good, well loved and very well cared for. Even though my mother underestimated the time it'd take to finish the bottle of Tapatío that I actually did put in my back pocket before coming back to Spain, there would've been a new one in no time without having to ask. 9 month absences keep her from knowing my daily eating habits and food intake like she used to when she packed my lunch every day until I was 18, a senior in high school. See?

I had to chase down this mystery package all over the city because sometimes efficiency works in extremely different ways country to country. It's finally sitting on my bed next to me. Candies for my students, a new article of clothing, recuerdos de home and of course, the liter bottle of Tapatío. The shirt is adorable mom, the candle smells amazing and the candy corn will blow my students' minds but truthfully all I could think of on the walk home, and for the last week is.. I cannot eat potatoes, eggs, soup, sandwiches or burritos again until I have my precious Tapa. The last 10 days or so have been fresh food meals, a lot of fruit and veggies, snacks (but even then, dips weren't pleasing the palate quite right) and cereal have filled the void of that powerful sting.

I rip open the package, pull out the shirt, hold it up, love it. Open the cute little candle box from The Wooden Wagon Toys and Folk Art (a little bit of whimsy is always a must, I hope one day you all get a package from Kelly and Dave, trinkets and toys and things to keep you smiling until the next one) and then another box within a box. Taped, padded with bags full of air and tissue paper. Then inside the box, another air tight baggie with bubble wrap and the most special cargo of all. I waited to eat breakfast until 1 in the afternoon for this. I open it up, without scissors or a knife, put it directly to my mouth to bite off the plastic cover. All I want is that succulent goodness to do a little dance on my tongue.. The first place it goes? In my eye. Yes, I got Tapatío in my eye.

Gluttony.

Turns out, the cap broke a little somewhere on the boat or plane or truck or the fall from the mail man's hands to the sidewalk. And then savage me had to rip the seal off with my teeth. Lesson learned.. Thank you for all the dental and orthodontic work in my youth, mom and dad. I will not abuse it again.

¡Buen provecho ya'll!